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3 On Your Side Health Problem Solved

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A life turned around for a Chester County man who had been living in isolation and embarrassment. CBS-3 Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl has the 3 On Your Side Problem Solved.

It seemed like an impossible dream, but Louis Trammell is finally able to be out, shopping in the King of Prussia Mall, and not feeling embarrassed.

"No one's staring at me. No one's looking at me. No one's pointing at me," said Louis.

His face used to be disfigured by keloid scars. Nicks from shaving, triggered an over growth of scar tissue.

We first met back in April, when he said, "I feel like a freak every day of my life."

Louis felt his appearance was keeping him from getting a job. And he had no health insurance, no way to pay for surgery or treatment to get rid of the keloids. His friend, Vicki Warner reached out to CBS-3 for help.

"I was totally floored when you did respond and how quickly you responded," said Vicki.

First we got Louis to West Chester's Community Volunteers in Medicine. And then Louis was referred to one of their volunteers, Plastic Surgeon Gary Wingate.

"I'm always happy to help when I can," said Dr. Wingate. He operated on Louis twice at The Surgery Center of Chester County, where everything was donated.

"I'm so grateful Stephanie. I can't thank you enough. This is awesome. You got involved, and you did something about my situation," said Louis.

Three months after the surgery Louis is completely healed, and happy to try on glasses. If you look closely you can see the scars, but they're flat and his beard stubble is good camouflage.

"I feel like a new man. I feel like I have a new lease on life. It's amazing," said Louis.

But Louis, who's had administrative, data processing positions hasn't been able to find a job.

"It's like the missing piece to the puzzle. I still haven't gotten any calls but diligently, I'm always on like seeking jobs, making phone calls and things," said Louis.

He feels like it's just a matter of time now that he's out of hiding, feeling so positive and good about himself.

"CBS-3 has changed my life," said Louis.

Doctors say this is an unusual case. While millions of people get keloid scars, they're never usually as bad as what happened to Louis. And the problem with surgery to remove them is they often come back, so Louis is getting steroid injections to make sure that doesn't happen.

Reported by: Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3

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